Electrolytic cell.



No. 655,343. Patented-Aug. 7, @900.

J. HARGREAVES.

ELECTROLYTIC CELL.

(Application filed Jan. 31, 1899.) (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Shoot I,

KRR N d .76 WW. W?

"0. 555,343. Patented Aug. 7, I900.

J. HABGREAVES.

ELECTROLYTIC. CELL.

(Application filed Ian. 31.,

3 Sheets8heot 2,

(No llpdel.)

.m: nomus mans co, FNOTOLITNOM WASHINGTON, u. 2..

No. 655,343. Patented Aug. 7, I900.

J. HARGREAVES.

ELECTROLYTIC GELL. (Application filed Jan. 31, 1599.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheat 3.

THE Nona versus 00.. PNQTO-LITHQ. WASHINGTON. a. c.-

NiTE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES HARGREAVES, OF WIDNES, ENGLAND.

ELECTROLYTIC CELL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 655,343, dated August7, 1900.

Application filed January 31,1899. Serial No. 704,057. (No model.)

To (0 whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES HARGREAVES, a subject of the Queen of GreatBritain and Ireland, residing at Farnworth-in-"Widnes, in the county ofLancaster, England, have invented new and useful Improved MeansApplicable for Use in the Manufacture of Alkalies by Electrolysis, (inrespect whereof I have applied for a patent in Great Britain, to beardate July 14, 1898, No. 15,502,) of which the following is aspecification.

This invention relates to the manufacture of alkalies by electrolysis;and it consists in an improved electrolytic cell whereby the efficiencyof the process is increased, while economy in working and otheradvantages are secured.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a partial longitudinal sectionand side elevation of an electrolytic cell embodying my improvements.Figs. 2, 2, and 3 are respectively a transverse section, an enlargedtransverse section of one side of the cell, and a plan. Figs. 4 and 5are respectively a longitudinal section and a plan of the left-hand endof Figs. 1 and 3, illustrating a modification, Figs. 6 and 7 beingsimilar views illustrating a further modification.

According to the method of working illustrated in Figs. 1,2, and 3 theelectrolyte or brine solution is circulated through the cell, theweakened solution, in company with the chlorin, flowing away from thecell into a receptacle for separating the chlorin, the weakened solutionbeing then strengthened by the addition of salt and recirculated throughthe cell. According to the methods illustrated in Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7dry or new solidsalt is supplied to a saturating vessel situated withinthe anode-compartment of the cell.

In working with electrolytic cells of the type described in thespecification to my Letters Patent, dated December 28, 1897, No. 596,157and illustrated in the accompanying drawings I place in thecathode-chamber a a series of strips Z), formed of copper or othersuitable metal, the same extending from the cover-plate c to the surfaceof the cathode d and inclining downward. These strips or plates operateto direct the condensed vapor or other liquid formed in thecathode-chamber against the surface of the cathode and more completelyand rapidly to wash away the alkali as it is formed upon the saidsurface of the cathode and diaphragm. For holding the inclined strips inposition upon the cover-plate I bed the former in cement e, the latterserving the further purpose of a non-conductor of heat and preventingloss of heat from the cells. The inclined strips 1; also serve tosupport the cathode d in close contact with the diaphragm. 1 form thelower edges 1) of the inclined strips 1) with suitable serrations oropenings, so as to permit the steam and gases to pass freely over thesurface of the cathode. a a are injectors for supplying carbonic-acidgas and steam to the cathode-chambers a a.

In treating brine or salt solution the strengthened brine enters theanode-chamber f of the cell by Way of the pipe g, the weakened orexhausted solution, together with the chlorin, passing away through thepipe h to a well or receptacle, wherein the gas and weakened brine areseparated. Salt is added to the latter for strengthening the same,whereupon it is again conducted through the cell by way of the pipe 9for retreatment by the electric current.

When treating dry or new salt in a solid or crystal state, I employwithin the cell a saturating vessel or compartment 71, constructedaccording to either of the alternative modes illustrated in Figs. 4 to7, inclusive. In Figs. 4 and 5 this vessel is of tubular form and ispreferably elliptical in transverse section, its sides being providedwith perforations 2'. These perforations are preferably disposed at aninclination, as shown in Fig. 4, witha View to preventing the escapeprevious to the saturation of the electrolyte of the salt into theanode-compartment of the cell. The saturating-compartment i is chargedthrough the charging-aperture formed by the pipe t ,which is arranged toenter the upper end of the saturating-compartment below the surface ofthe electrolyte, and thereby prevent the escape through thechargingaperture of the chlorin generated in the cell. The upperextremity of the charging-aperture may, moreover, he luted or furnishedwith a water seal. According to the construction shown in Figs. 6 and 7the saturating-compartment 2' is formed by placing transversely in thecell a number of slats 2'", the same being disposed at an inclination,so as to form inclined transverse slits or openings 1' and serve asimilar purpose to the inclined perforations in the sides of the tube1;. With a View to preventing the escape of chlorin the roof of the cellis formed with a depending flange 2' which dips into the compartment 1'below the surface of the electrolyte.

The tube 2' and the slats 2' may be formed of earthenware, of slate, orof tiles. In using tiles, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the ends may beembedded in cement, as at To purify the carbonic-acid gas from sulfurousacid and other impurities, I cause the gases (which maybe the wastegases from gas engines, coal fires, or lin ekilns) while in a heatedstate to be saturated with moisture and then cool the said gases, so asto effect the condensation of the moisture, the latter being removed bycausing the gases to traverse suitable scrubbers.

To avoid the presence of chlorate or hypochlorite in the electrolyte andto prevent the complicated reactions, destruction of anodes, and loss ofpower caused by their presence, I analyze the solution and add theretosufficient hydrochloric acid to decompose the said chlorate orhypochlorite, the chlorin being liberated from the hydrochloric acidwithout having any hydrochloric acid in excess. Where the presence ofcarbonic acid mixed with the evolved chlorin is not injurious, I add tothe circulating electrolyte some organic substance-such, for example, assugar, sawdust, or the likefor the purpose of deoxidizing the chlorateor hypochlorite.

In constructing the anode-cell instead of using stone or slate I employPortland or other like cement k, and I provide an outside framing Z, ofiron or other metal, the cement being cast therein; or instead of cementalonel fill up a portion of the framing with bricks, stone, or othersuitable material m. To prevent leakage, I saturate the filling materialemployed in the construction of the cell with paraflin-wax, pitch, tar,or other substance adapted to fill up the pores of or the intersticesbetween the bricks or other filling material. The framing Z is formed inthree portions, the base and the end pieces. The base comprises acentral space, forming a tray for the reception of the cement k, and achannel Z Z upon either side thereof for conducting away the productfrom the cathodechamber a. Z 1 are pipes for draining the channels Z Z.The end pieces are secured by bolts to flanges formed on the base-plate.The upper extremities of the end pieces are provided with inclinedsurfaces Z Z beneath which work the wedges Z Z", situated one at eachend of the cell. These wedges rest upon the upper surface of the endwalls of the cell and are connected together by means of the tie-rods ZZ Upon tighteningthe nuts pertaining to the tie-rods Z Z the wedges aredrawn toward each other, with the effect that a downward pressure isexerted upon the end walls, while maintaining the stability of the roof,the form of the cell being hereby preserved. The cover-plates c are heldin position by means of cramps 0 0 The cover-plates may be protected bywooden planks with a view to preventing loss of heat from thecathode-chambers.

That I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,is-

1. For use in the manufacture of alkalies by electrolysis, anelectrolytic cell having an anode disposed in a chamber adapted for thereception of the electrolyte, a diaphragm and wire-gauze cathode, aseries of inwardly and downwardly inclined metal strips or platesarranged between the cathode and the dished outer or cover plateinclosing the cathode, and forming a chamber for the cation; the saidstrips or plates extending from the said cover-plate to the surface ofthe cathode, substantially as and for the purposes herein described.

2. For use in the manufacture of alkalies by electrolysis, anelectrolytic cell having an anode disposed in a chamber adapted for thereception of the electrolyte, a diaphragm and wire-gauze cathode, aseries of inwardly and downwardly inclined metal strips or plates and adished outer or cover plate inclosing a cathode and forming a chamberfor the cation; the said strips or plates being arranged in thecathode-chamber so as to extend from the cover-plate to the surface ofthe cathode and being held in position by bedding them in a layer ofcement formed against the inner side of the said cover-plate,substantially as and for the purposes specified.

8. For use in the manufacture of alkalies by electrolysis, anelectrolytic cell having a series of inwardly and downwardly inclinedmetal strips or plates formed with serrations or openings on their loweredges, arranged in the cation-chamber and extending from the outer orcover plate of the cell to the surface of the cathode, substantially asand for the purposes specified.

JAMES HARGREAVES.

\Vitnesses:

J. W. ALSOP, ALFD. WILKINSON.

